The city’s markets including the Indoor, Covered, Car Boot and Flea Markets need its shoppers and traders to vote for it to become the best in Britain.

Preston City Council is urging residents to cast their vote via an online poll.

Councillor Anthony Gornall, cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “This is a great opportunity for members of the public to support their local market, and give the traders some recognition for all their hard work.

“Preston Market not only provides a massive selection of fresh and locally grown produce, but also a huge rage of every day items including clothing, cards and fabrics.”

Previous winners have included nearby Bury Market and last year’s winner was Coventry Market.

Ellen Wade, who runs the Banana King stall and whose family have traded on Preston Market for six generations, urged all her customers to vote for Preston Market.

She said: “We and our fellow traders provide a service to the public 52 weeks-a-year and we have thousands of loyal customers who shop on the market every week.

“I’ve visited markets all over the country and in my opinion Preston is the best.”

Preston Market is believed to date back to 1179 when a Charter was granted by King Henry II. King Henry also gave permission for the then town to hold three ‘Pot Fairs’ a year.

The competition is organised by the National Association of British Authorities (NABMA) and votes can be cast online via the NABMA website, by clicking the Britain’s Favourite Market logo in the top-corner.

The winner is due to be announced in January 2011 at an awards ceremony in Birmingham.